The road to Ramblin' Man Fair has begun, with 'Copperhead Road' singer Steve Earl, the Lzzy Hale fronted Halestorm, southern rock merchants Blackberry Smoke, and progressive super group Sons Of Apollo the first acts to be announced for the 2018 event. Returning to Mote Park, Maidstone, this years' event takes place from 30th June - 1st July.

By Eamon O'Neill.

The road to Ramblin' Man Fair has begun, with 'Copperhead Road' singer Steve Earl, the Lzzy Hale fronted Halestorm, southern rock merchants Blackberry Smoke, and progressive super group Sons Of Apollo the first acts to be announced for the 2018 event. Returning for a forth year to Mote Park, Maidstone, this years' event takes place from 30th June - 1st July.

Following on from the critically acclaimed and commercially successful third year in 2017 which featured headliners Saxon, Extreme and ZZ Top, 2018 will see the festival will move from its traditional end of July slot to the 30th June and 1st July 2018.

The first announcements for 2018 include Steve Earle & The Dukes who will be playing a UK exclusive set ‘Copperhead Road plus Hits!’ headlining the Outlaw Country Stage, Halestorm who bag a main stage special guest slot, and Blackberry Smoke and Sons Of Apollo, both of whom will appear on the main stage.

Ramblin’ Man Fair is the must see event for discerning festival goers. A quality musical line up with a number of UK exclusive performances. The event is a unique experience fast becoming a staple of the UK festival calendar. Previous headliners have included Whitesnake (2016), and The Scorpions (2015).

The festival will take place in the beautiful Mote Park in Maidstone, Kent. The park is one of the largest in South East England with more than 450 acres of mature parkland and a 30-acre lake. With multiple travel links via train (Ashford International, Maidstone East and Maidstone West in close proximity) and road (with three park and rides available around Maidstone). The festival site is also perfect for European festival goers with easy links to the London airports, Eurostar via Ashford Int’l and Channel Ferries to and from mainland Europe.

Speaking about their addition to the bill, Halestorm's Lzzy Hale says; “We are so excited to be performing at the Ramblin' Man Fair for the first time! We love playing for our fans in the UK and look forward to making some new friends too. We are ready to melt faces!!"

Blackberry Smoke's Charlie Starr adds; “We can’t wait to bring some Southern music to the Ramblin' Man Fair......it’s refreshing to play festivals with such diverse lineups.”